Mr. Jame Monren T. Mercado from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management won three National Awards under Best Tourism Research from the 17th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ATOP) – Department of Tourism (DOT) Pearl Awards 2022, with the theme, “Rethinking Tourism”. It was held on October 28, 2022 at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City.
Mercado, together with his co-researchers, was awarded Grand Winner for the paper titled “Pamana sa Mata ng mga … Bata? (Heritage in the Eyes of the … Child?): A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Student Tour Guides on Heritage Sustainability – The Case of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines”. The research had the Municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte as a Partner Local Government Unit.
His research, “Pukpok na nga ba sa limot?: Assessing the Heritage Significance and Safeguarding Culture on the Traditional Craftsmanship of Paete, Laguna, Philippines,” with Dr. Marygrace A. Ac-ac (De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Manila and Museo Ac-ac and Atelier) as a co-researcher, was given first runner-up. The Municipality of Paete, Laguna was the Partner Local Government Unit.
“Pangangalaga or Pag-unlad (Preservation or Development): A Phenomenological Study on the Stakeholders on the Conservation and Urbanization of a Historic Town – The Case of Lucban, Quezon, Philippines,” with co-researchers Dr. Claire Ann M. Yao (Southern Luzon State University Lucban Campus) and Dr. Maricel D. Herrera (Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Inc. Lucena Campus), was the second runner up. The Municipality of Lucban, Quezon was the Partner Local Government Unit.
The Pearl Awards is an annual recognition given to outstanding local government units (LGU) that showcase significant tourism and hospitality-related programs and projects. Under the Best Tourism Research category, it encourages universities and colleges to submit research studies that have not been published. Research could be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology, preferably endorsed by the college or university. The research should be initiated by an institution of higher education (HEI) or a non-government organization (NGO) endorsed by a local government unit.
